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Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System

Overview

The GMD employs integrated communications networks, fire control systems, globally deployed sensors, and Ground-Based Interceptors (GBIs) that are capable of detecting, tracking and destroying ballistic missile threats. The GMD element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System provides Combatant Commanders the capability to engage and destroy intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats in space to protect the United States.

Our Role

L3Harris supplies the liquid propellant Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) that maneuvers the Raytheon-built EKV with the precision needed (often referred to as a “bullet hitting a bullet”) to successfully impact and destroy missile threats.

Alternate Propellant Tank (APT): Next generation design propellant tank for the EKV used on the GBI. This design update addressed producibility, material obsolescence, and cost related to the incumbent design.

Alternate Divert Thruster (ADT): Next generation divert thruster (main propulsion) for EKV used on the GBI. This design update addressed a platform stability and reliability concern as well as cost.

Key Features

The GBI is a multi-stage, solid fuel booster with an Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) payload that uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy incoming intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats against the United States and its allies.

Latest News

Greg Burns, Director of Operations, L3Harris Canoga Park Site (L) and Pat O’Kelley, L3Harris Canoga Park Site Lead (R), discuss expansion plans.

Editorial | 10. 08. 2026

L3Harris Expanding Los Angeles Site to Increase Capacity for Precision Liquid Propulsion

L3Harris is investing in the future of liquid propulsion production with a more than $100 million expansion at the company’s Canoga Park site in the San Fernando Valley to increase manufacturing and assembly capacity for critical programs.

Greg Burns, Director of Operations, L3Harris Canoga Park Site (L) and Pat O’Kelley, L3Harris Canoga Park Site Lead (R), discuss expansion plans.

Editorial | 10. 08. 2026

L3Harris Expanding Los Angeles Site to Increase Capacity for Precision Liquid Propulsion

Construction progresses at L3Harris’ Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities in Camden, Arkansas.

Editorial | 10. 01. 2026

Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities Build-Out Accelerates

THAAD missile fires from launcher

Press release | 09. 29. 2026

L3Harris Receives THAAD Propulsion Contract Valued at $6 Billion

A jet flies through the air and a missile launches from a ground launcher

Editorial | 09. 24. 2026

The Battle Isn’t Binary: Pairing Low Cost Munitions with High End Punch

Tomahawk® cruise missile

Press release | 09. 21. 2026

L3Harris Partners with Naval Air Warfare Center to Increase Tomahawk Production

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